The beginning of a new year often spawns a plethora of resolutions and commitments to change. We begin with good intentions, but all too often our plans fall away as the day to day responsibilities and stresses of life creep back in. It may seem that we are running out of time or energy or that we’re just too old to change. That does not mean, however, that everyone is doomed to stay the same way forever. With the right motivation, proactive attitude and determination, it’s absolutely possible to reinvent yourself. This guide outlines some key considerations to keep in mind during your reinvention.
Envision who you want to be in 12 months
Your first step is to think about who you want to be. You can’t realistically make changes until you know what you are aiming for. Nobody is set in stone; we are changing all the time and, in many ways, are in control of our environment and circumstances. Even if we’re not, we are in control of how we perceive our circumstances and view ourselves. If there are poisonous or destructive influences in your life, you have the power to remove them.
Consider what in your life brings you peace and happiness and what brings stress and sadness. Do you have goals you want to achieve? When you know what you want to change, you can begin to create a plan.
Think about a style shake-up
While it may seem superficial, our physical appearance and style plays a huge part in how we perceive ourselves. The clothes we wear, our grooming and hairstyle introduce us to strangers before we’ve opened our mouths. That’s why it makes sense to begin your reinvention with some physical care and attention. If you want to become more confident and improve your self-esteem, it’s time to think about what you like about yourself and what brings your confidence down. Some aspects might be quick fixes such as a new wardrobe, but others may take time and consideration such as losing weight and toning up. In some cases, cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections or a get a new head of hair carried out by a high-end hair transplant Turkey surgeon could rid you of hang-ups you’ve carried for years.
Embrace positive thinking
Reinvention also applies to the way we think, and it is absolutely possible to retrain our brains into a more positive approach to life. We all build habits and templates by which we live our lives, but we can identify those which are harming our wellbeing and focus on change. Replacing negative thinking with positivity which turns to action is not just a theory – it’s a scientifically proven concept that our brains respond to training. When we encounter a new concept we are biologically hardwired to resist at first, but also to adapt. Try a new hobby, learn a language, learn to cook, go back to school. Make the effort to replace a negative influence in your life with a positive and you will quickly adopt it as your new normal.
Embrace a new hobby
Having a new hobby can indeed be a transformative experience, a chance to discover hidden talents and enrich your life in unexpected ways. Wondering how? Picture this: you find solace in playing the piano and can sit on that Adjustable Artist Piano Bench for hours, enchanting your listeners with captivating tunes you never knew you were capable of creating.
For others, the allure of culinary arts beckons, as they experiment with flavors and techniques in the kitchen, crafting dishes that tantalize the palate and bring loved ones together around the dining table. Put simply, each hobby offers a unique journey of self-discovery and growth, where the pursuit of passion leads to newfound skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for life’s intricacies.
Change your career
We spend a significant portion of our lives at work and when we are stuck in a job that doesn’t challenge or satisfy us, we will spend a lot of our life feeling frustrated and unfulfilled. You are not trapped in a profession and it’s possible to make a change at any age. Whether you need to do some research, get some experience, do some networking or complete further study/qualifications, find out what career would fire you up and go out and grab it.
Boost your health
It cannot be overestimated how important it is to be active and eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Alongside getting plenty of sleep, drinking water and cutting out tobacco and alcohol, making the investment in your physical and mental health is the ultimate in reinventing yourself. Whether you aim to lose weight, increase strength or simply feel better, you won’t regret making the move.
Keep it up
Whatever you change, the key to reinvention is consistency. Even when you have achieved what you wanted to achieve, set yourself new goals and keep striving to be the best person you can be.
Truly reinventing yourself does not happen in a matter of days or even weeks. Sure, you may have made some significant changes in a few months, but if those changes are not still in place in 12 months then you have not reinvented yourself – you’ve been through a phase. It’s important, however, not to put too much pressure on yourself to change too much too soon. It always takes a while to establish new habits and to become comfortable in a new way of life.